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{{short description|1961 film by Richard Fleischer}}
: ''[[Barabbas (Marie Corelli novel)|Barabbas]] is also the title of an 1893 book by [[Marie Corelli]].''
{{Infobox Film
{{Infobox film
| name = Barabbas
| name = Barabbas
| image = Barabbas film poster.jpg
| image = Barabbas film poster.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| alt =
| caption = Theatrical release [[one sheet]] by [[Frank McCarthy (artist)|Frank McCarthy]]
| director = [[Richard Fleischer]]
| producer = [[Dino De Laurentiis]]<br>[[Luigi Luraschi]]
| director = [[Richard Fleischer]]
| producer = [[Dino De Laurentiis]]
| writer = [[Pär Lagerkvist]] (Novel)<br>[[Nigel Balchin]]<br>[[Diego Fabbri]]<br>[[Christopher Fry]]
| screenplay = [[Christopher Fry]]{{efn|The screenplay includes uncredited contributions from [[Nigel Balchin]], [[Diego Fabbri]], [[Ivo Perilli]] and [[Salvatore Quasimodo]].}}
| starring = [[Anthony Quinn]]<br>[[Silvana Mangano]]<br>[[Katy Jurado]]<br>[[Arthur Kennedy (actor)|Arthur Kennedy]]<br>[[Harry Andrews]]<br>[[Ernest Borgnine]]<br>[[Vittorio Gassman]]<br>[[Jack Palance]]
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[Barabbas (novel)|Barabbas]]''<br>(1950 novel)|[[Pär Lagerkvist]]}}
| starring = [[Anthony Quinn]]<br />[[Arthur Kennedy (actor)|Arthur Kennedy]]<br />[[Jack Palance]]<br />[[Silvana Mangano]]<br />[[Harry Andrews]]<br />[[Ernest Borgnine]]<br>[[Katy Jurado]]<br>[[Vittorio Gassman]]
| music = [[Mario Nascimbene]]
| music = [[Mario Nascimbene]]
| cinematography = [[Aldo Tonti]]
| cinematography = [[Aldo Tonti]]
| editing = [[Alberto Gallitti]]<br>[[Raymond Poulton]]
| editing = [[Raymond Poulton]]
| studio = [[Dino De Laurentiis|Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica]]
| distributor = [[Columbia Pictures]]
| released = [[December 23]], [[1961]] (Italy)<br>[[October 10]], [[1962]] (US)
| distributor = Dino de Laurentiis Cinematografica (Italy)<br>[[Columbia Pictures]] (U.S.)
| released = {{Film date|1961|12|23|Italy|1962|10|10|U.S.}}
| runtime = 144 minutes
| country = [[Italy]]
| runtime = 137 minutes
| country = Italy<br>United States<ref name=bfi>{{Cite web |title=Barabba (1961) |url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150025104 |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=BFI Collections}}</ref>
| language = [[English language|English]]
| imdb_id = 0055774
| language = English
| gross = $2,900,000 (US/ Canada)<ref>{{cite news|title=Big Rental Pictures of 1963|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|publisher=[[Penske Business Media]]|date=8 January 1964 |page=71 |url=https://ameblo.jp/ayumi-niwano/entry-12247416044.html |access-date=18 July 2018}} Please note figures are rentals as opposed to total gross.</ref>
}}
}}
'''''Barabbas''''' is a [[1961 in film|1961]] film expanding on the career of [[Barabbas]], from the Christian [[Passion (Christianity)|Passion]] narrative in the ''[[Gospel of Mark]]'' and other gospels. It starred [[Anthony Quinn]] as Barabbas, with [[Silvana Mangano]], [[Katy Jurado]], [[Arthur Kennedy (actor)|Arthur Kennedy]], [[Harry Andrews]], [[Ernest Borgnine]], [[Vittorio Gassman]], and [[Jack Palance]], and was distributed by [[Columbia Pictures]]. The film, conceived as a grand Roman epic, was based on the Nobel-Prize winning novel ''[[Barabbas (novel)|Barabbas]]'' (1950) by [[Pär Lagerkvist]]. A previous film version of the novel, in Swedish, had been made in 1953.
'''''Barabbas''''' ({{langx|it|'''Barabba'''}}<ref name=bfi/>) is a 1961 [[List of religious films|religious]] [[epic film]] directed by [[Richard Fleischer]] for [[Dino De Laurentiis|Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica]], expanding on the life of [[Barabbas]], from the [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Passion (Christianity)|Passion]] narrative in the ''[[Gospel of Mark]]'' and other gospels. It stars [[Anthony Quinn]], [[Silvana Mangano]], [[Katy Jurado]], [[Arthur Kennedy (actor)|Arthur Kennedy]], [[Harry Andrews]], [[Ernest Borgnine]], [[Vittorio Gassman]], and [[Jack Palance]]. The screenplay is based on [[Nobel Prize in Literature|Nobel Prize]]-winner [[Pär Lagerkvist]]'s 1950 novel [[Barabbas (novel)|of the same title]].


The film of Lagerkvist's novel was directed by [[Richard Fleischer]] and shot in Rome under the supervision of producer [[Dino De Laurentiis]]. It included many spectacular scenes, including a battle of gladiators in a [[Cinecittà]] mock-up of the [[Colosseum]], and a final crucifixion shot during a real eclipse of the sun. The music score by [[Mario Nascimbene]] contained a stark experimental component -- what the composer himself called 'new sounds', in order to demonstrate the eclipse as a supernatural event in the Judean age (see liner notes of CD of original soundtracks of ''[[Alexander the Great]]'' and ''[[Barabbas]]'', music composed, orchestrated and conducted by Mario Nascimbene).
The film was shot in [[Verona]] and [[Rome]]. It included many highly acclaimed scenes, including a battle of gladiators in a [[Cinecittà]] film studio mock-up of the [[Colosseum]], and a crucifixion shot during an actual total [[Solar eclipse of February 15, 1961|solar eclipse]]. It was released in Italy on December 23, 1961, and in the United States by [[Columbia Pictures]] on October 10, 1962. In Italy, the film was nominated for three [[Nastro d'Argento|Nastro d'Argento Awards]] (Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design).

A [[Barabbas (1953 film)|previous film version]] of the novel, in [[Swedish language|Swedish]], had been made in 1953.


==Plot==
==Plot==
[[File:Anthony Quinn en Barrabás (1961).jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Anthony Quinn]] as Barabbas in a publicity photograph for the film]]
Shortly before the crucifixion of Christ, [[Pontius Pilate]] ([[Arthur Kennedy]]) offers to release either [[Jesus Christ]] or Barabbas in keeping with the local custom. As the [[Bible]] story goes, Barabbas is the one the crowd chooses.
[[Pontius Pilate]] offers to release either [[Jesus|Jesus of Nazareth]] or Barabbas, in keeping with the [[Passover]] custom. The crowd gathered for the pardoning chooses Barabbas, and Jesus is condemned to [[crucifixion]], while Barabbas is set free. Returning to his friends, Barabbas asks for his lover, Rachel. His friends inform him that Rachel has become a follower of [[Christ]]. Rachel soon returns, but she is not happy to see Barabbas, and they tussle physically.


Barabbas leaves and returns to his friends. His friends are glad to see him, but Barabbas wants to know where his lover Rachel is ([[Silvana Mangano]]). They inform him that Rachel had changed while he was away, and was following the teachings of Christ. Rachel soon returns, but she is not overjoyed to see Barabbas again. During their reunion Christ is crucified. As Christ dies the sky turns dark. Shaken by this, Barabbas goes to witness the crucifixion. Afterwards he goes to witness Christ being sealed in the tomb. On the third morning Barabbas goes to the tomb to find the tomb open, and Christ gone. Rachel tells him that Christ has risen, but Barabbas dismisses this as illusion, or that his followers had taken his body. He goes to see Christ's followers to demand what happened to the body - they do not know where he is but do believe he is risen. Soon, Rachel's teachings lead to her being stoned to death by the same men who had Jesus crucified. When Barabbas comes across them later while robbing a caravan, he assaults one of the men. For this, Barabbas is arrested by the Roman authorities. Pilate decides not to execute Barabbas, but instead sentences him to a life sentence in the sulfur mines of [[Sicily]].
Barabbas witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus. As Jesus dies, the sky turns black, and Barabbas is shaken. He watches Christ's body sealed in the tomb. On the third morning, Barabbas finds the tomb open. Rachel tells him that Christ has risen, but Barabbas says it is an illusion or his followers have stolen the body. He visits the [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostles]]; they do not know where he is, but also believe he is risen.


Rachel preaches in Jerusalem about Christ Jesus himself and is [[Stoning|stoned to death]] at the insistence of the priests. Barabbas, guilt-ridden, returns to his criminal ways and tries to rob a caravan transporting several of the priests. When the robbery goes bad, Barabbas does not try to flee, and he is captured by Roman soldiers. The law forbids Pilate from executing someone who has previously been pardoned, so he sentences Barabbas to [[carusu|lifelong slavery in the sulfur mines]] of [[Sicily]].
Barabbas is taken to the sulfur mines of Sicily - where the medallion designating him the property of the Emperor is placed around his neck. He manages to survive a hellish existence for the next 20 years in the mines. Eventually he is chained to Sahek ([[Vittorio Gassman]]), who was sent to the mines in punishment for letting slaves escape. Sahek was also a [[Christian]] - and had carved a cross on the back of his medallion. At first Sahek hates him, but the two men eventually become friends. After some time Sahek becomes too weak to work, and is about to be killed - but the mine is destroyed in an explosion. Sahek and Barabbas are the only survivors. After they recover from their injuries they are sent to the fields to work. As the only survivors of the disaster, they catch the eye of the wife of the local prefect - who is due to leave for Rome to become a Senator. She insists that they be brought along.


Barabbas survives this hellish existence for the next twenty years. He is chained to Sahak, a [[Christians|Christian]] sailor who was sent to the mines for allowing slaves to escape. Sahak at first hates Barabbas for being pardoned instead of "the Master", but the two men eventually become friends. Over time, Sahak becomes too weak to work. As the guards are about to kill him, the mine is destroyed in an earthquake, with Sahak and Barabbas the only survivors. Julia, the superstitious wife of the local prefect, considers them blessed. The prefect is due to leave for Rome, having been appointed to the Senate. Julia insists that Barabbas and Sahak accompany him for good luck.
Once in Rome the men are trained to become gladiators by Torvald ([[Jack Palance]]) - the top gladiator in Rome. During this training Sahek is overheard speaking about his faith, and is executed by Torvald. The next day Torvald and Barabbas battle in the Colosseum, with Barabbas winning. Impressed, the Roman Emperor [[Nero]] sets Barabbas free. Barabbas finds the remains of Sahek, and takes him to the catacombs where the local Christians are worshipping for a proper burial.


Once in Rome, the men are trained to become [[gladiator]]s by Torvald, the top gladiator in Rome. After a gladiatorial event, Sahak is overheard sharing his faith with other gladiators, and is condemned to death for [[Law of majestas|treason]]. When a squad deliberately miss throwing their spears, Torvald executes Sahak. The next day, Torvald and Barabbas battle in the arena. Barabbas wins, killing Torvald and impressing Emperor [[Nero]], who sets him free. Barabbas takes Sahak's corpse to the [[Catacombs of Rome|catacombs]], where the local Christians are worshiping. They give him a proper burial.
The movie ends in the aftermath of [[Great Fire of Rome]]. Barabbas confronts Roman soldiers and tells them that he is a Christian. Barabbas dies by crucifixion in the persecutions that followed the fire.


Barabbas becomes lost in the catacombs. When he eventually emerges, [[Great Fire of Rome|Rome is on fire]]. Barabbas is told that the Christians started the fire. Believing that the end of the world has come (as Rachel and Sahak had taught), Barabbas sets fire to more buildings. He is confronted by Roman soldiers and tells them that he is a follower of Christ. He is imprisoned with several other Christians, among them the apostle [[Saint Peter|Peter]]. Peter admonishes Barabbas for committing arson, informing him that Christians would not do such a thing. Afterwards, the Christians are executed by mass crucifixion in the [[Persecution of Christians#Persecution under Nero, 64–68 AD|persecutions]] that follow the fire. Having finally placed his faith in Christ, Barabbas is crucified with the others, though his last words are, "Darkness... I give myself up into your keeping... It is Barabbas".
{{CinemaofItaly}}


==Cast==
[[Category:1961 films]]
[[File:Sharon Tate con Jack Palance en Barrabás (1961).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Sharon Tate]] and [[Jack Palance]] behind the scenes of the film]]
[[Category:Italian films]]
{{Div col}}
[[Category:Christian films|Barabbas]]
* [[Anthony Quinn]] as [[Barabbas]]
[[Category:Religion films]]
* [[Arthur Kennedy (actor)|Arthur Kennedy]] as [[Pontius Pilate]]
[[Category:Drama films]]
* [[Jack Palance]] as Torvald
* [[Silvana Mangano]] as Rachel
* [[Harry Andrews]] as Peter
* [[Ernest Borgnine]] as Lucius
* [[Katy Jurado]] as Sara
* [[Vittorio Gassman]] as Sahak
* [[Norman Wooland]] as Rufio
* [[Valentina Cortese]] as Julia
* [[Arnoldo Foà]] as [[Joseph of Arimathea]]
* [[Michael Gwynn]] as Lazarus
* [[Laurence Payne]] as Disciple
* [[Douglas Fowley]] as Vasasio
* [[Guido Celano]] as Scorpio
* [[Enrico Glori]]
* [[Carlo Giustini]] as Officer
* Gianni di Benedetto as Officer
* Robert Hall as Commander of Gladiators
* Rina Braido as Tavern Reveler
* Nando Angelini
* Tullio Tomadoni as Blind Man
* [[Joe Robinson (actor)|Joe Robinson]] as Gladiator
* [[Frederich Ledebur]] as Officer
* Marcello Di Martire
* Spartaco Nale as Overseer
* [[Maria Zanoli]] as Beggar Woman
* Gustavo De Nardo
* Vladimiro Picciafuochi


;Uncredited
[[de:Barabbas (1962)]]
* Roy Mangano as [[Jesus Christ]]
[[es:Barrabás (película)]]
* [[Paola Pitagora]] as [[Mary Magdalene]]
[[fr:Barabbas (film)]]
* [[Rina Franchetti]] as [[Mary of Clopas]]
[[it:Barabba (film)]]
* [[Piero Pastore]] as [[Nicodemus]]
[[ru:Варавва (фильм)]]
* Vera Drudi as [[Salome (disciple)|Salome]]
[[sv:Barabbas (film, 1962)]]
* Nino Segurini as [[Apostle John]]
* Jacopo Tecchi as [[Apostle Thomas]]
* [[Ivan Triesault]] as [[Nero|Emperor Nero]]
* [[Sharon Tate]] as Patrician in arena
{{div col end}}

Before major casting began, [[Yul Brynner]] was actively considered for the title role, yet never got the part. His previous Biblical film roles were The Pharaoh in ''[[The Ten Commandments (1956 film)|The Ten Commandments]]'' and [[Solomon]] in ''[[Solomon and Sheba]]''.

==Production==
[[File:Barabba Eclisse 1961.jpg|thumb|The scene where the [[solar eclipse of February 15, 1961]], was used to recreate the [[crucifixion darkness]]]]
The [[Film score|music score]] by [[Mario Nascimbene]], which was conducted by [[Franco Ferrara]], the noted conductor and lecturer on conducting at several famous international academies, was noted for its unusual, stark experimental component&nbsp;&ndash; the composer referred to his work, which included the introduction of electronic sounds achieved by the manipulation of tape speeds, as "new sounds". The main theme was based on the ''"[[Kyrie]]"'' from ''"[[Kyriale|Orbis Factor:Missa XI]]"'' which is a part of the Roman Catholic [[Ordinary (liturgy)|Ordinary]]. The depiction of the [[crucifixion]] was filmed on 15 February 1961 during an actual [[Solar eclipse of February 15, 1961|total eclipse of the sun]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Elley |first1=Derek |title=The Epic Film: Myth and History |year=2013 |publisher=Routledge |location=Abingdon |isbn=9781317928874 |page=94 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g1RJAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA94}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hughes|first=Howard|title=Cinema Italiano - The Complete Guide From Classics To Cult|publisher=I.B. Tauris|year=2011|isbn=9781848856080 |location=London |page=72|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C5_3AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA72|chapter=Sword and Sandal Spectacles}}</ref>

==Differences from the book==
In Lagerkvist's original novel, Barabbas' later crime that sends him into slavery is explicitly left vague. He is sent to the copper mines of [[Cyprus]], rather than [[Sicily]] as in the film. Sarak and Barabbas are freed from the mines by an overseer friendly to Christians, rather than it being destroyed by an earthquake. There are no gladiatorial scenes anywhere in the book, as Barabbas is made a field slave and then a house slave to his Roman owner.

==Reception==
''Barabbas'' received positive reviews; it currently holds an 89% approval rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]], based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 6.8/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/barabbas|title=Barabbas (1961)|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media]]|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref>

==Awards==
* '''Nominee''' Best Color Cinematography - [[Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists]] ([[Aldo Tonti]])
* '''Nominee''' Best Costume Design - Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists ([[Maria De Matteis]])
* '''Nominee''' Best Production Design - Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists ([[Mario Chiari]])
* '''Selected''' Top Foreign Films of the Year - [[National Board of Review]]

==See also==
{{portal|Film|Italy}}
* [[1961 in film]]
* [[Italian films of 1961]]
* [[List of Easter films]]
* [[List of films featuring eclipses]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0055774|Barabbas}}
* {{TCMDb title|68101|Barabbas}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Richard Fleischer}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Barabbas (1961 film)}}
[[Category:1961 films]]
[[Category:1960s adventure drama films]]
[[Category:Italian adventure drama films]]
[[Category:Columbia Pictures films]]
[[Category:1960s English-language films]]
[[Category:English-language Italian films]]
[[Category:Films about Christianity]]
[[Category:Films directed by Richard Fleischer]]
[[Category:Films scored by Mario Nascimbene]]
[[Category:Films based on Swedish novels]]
[[Category:Films based on the Gospels]]
[[Category:Films based on the Bible]]
[[Category:Films set in Sicily]]
[[Category:Films set in Rome]]
[[Category:Films shot in Rome]]
[[Category:Religious epic films]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Pontius Pilate]]
[[Category:Depictions of Nero on film]]
[[Category:Portrayals of Jesus in film]]
[[Category:Sword-and-sandal films]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Saint Peter]]
[[Category:1961 drama films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Nigel Balchin]]
[[Category:1960s Italian films]]
[[Category:Barabbas]]
[[Category:Film portrayals of Jesus' death and resurrection]]
[[Category:English-language adventure drama films]]

Latest revision as of 17:32, 21 December 2024

Barabbas
Theatrical release one sheet by Frank McCarthy
Directed byRichard Fleischer
Screenplay byChristopher Fry[a]
Based onBarabbas
(1950 novel)
by Pär Lagerkvist
Produced byDino De Laurentiis
StarringAnthony Quinn
Arthur Kennedy
Jack Palance
Silvana Mangano
Harry Andrews
Ernest Borgnine
Katy Jurado
Vittorio Gassman
CinematographyAldo Tonti
Edited byRaymond Poulton
Music byMario Nascimbene
Production
company
Distributed byDino de Laurentiis Cinematografica (Italy)
Columbia Pictures (U.S.)
Release dates
  • December 23, 1961 (1961-12-23) (Italy)
  • October 10, 1962 (1962-10-10) (U.S.)
Running time
137 minutes
CountriesItaly
United States[1]
LanguageEnglish
Box office$2,900,000 (US/ Canada)[2]

Barabbas (Italian: Barabba[1]) is a 1961 religious epic film directed by Richard Fleischer for Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, expanding on the life of Barabbas, from the Christian Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark and other gospels. It stars Anthony Quinn, Silvana Mangano, Katy Jurado, Arthur Kennedy, Harry Andrews, Ernest Borgnine, Vittorio Gassman, and Jack Palance. The screenplay is based on Nobel Prize-winner Pär Lagerkvist's 1950 novel of the same title.

The film was shot in Verona and Rome. It included many highly acclaimed scenes, including a battle of gladiators in a Cinecittà film studio mock-up of the Colosseum, and a crucifixion shot during an actual total solar eclipse. It was released in Italy on December 23, 1961, and in the United States by Columbia Pictures on October 10, 1962. In Italy, the film was nominated for three Nastro d'Argento Awards (Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design).

A previous film version of the novel, in Swedish, had been made in 1953.

Plot

[edit]
Anthony Quinn as Barabbas in a publicity photograph for the film

Pontius Pilate offers to release either Jesus of Nazareth or Barabbas, in keeping with the Passover custom. The crowd gathered for the pardoning chooses Barabbas, and Jesus is condemned to crucifixion, while Barabbas is set free. Returning to his friends, Barabbas asks for his lover, Rachel. His friends inform him that Rachel has become a follower of Christ. Rachel soon returns, but she is not happy to see Barabbas, and they tussle physically.

Barabbas witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus. As Jesus dies, the sky turns black, and Barabbas is shaken. He watches Christ's body sealed in the tomb. On the third morning, Barabbas finds the tomb open. Rachel tells him that Christ has risen, but Barabbas says it is an illusion or his followers have stolen the body. He visits the apostles; they do not know where he is, but also believe he is risen.

Rachel preaches in Jerusalem about Christ Jesus himself and is stoned to death at the insistence of the priests. Barabbas, guilt-ridden, returns to his criminal ways and tries to rob a caravan transporting several of the priests. When the robbery goes bad, Barabbas does not try to flee, and he is captured by Roman soldiers. The law forbids Pilate from executing someone who has previously been pardoned, so he sentences Barabbas to lifelong slavery in the sulfur mines of Sicily.

Barabbas survives this hellish existence for the next twenty years. He is chained to Sahak, a Christian sailor who was sent to the mines for allowing slaves to escape. Sahak at first hates Barabbas for being pardoned instead of "the Master", but the two men eventually become friends. Over time, Sahak becomes too weak to work. As the guards are about to kill him, the mine is destroyed in an earthquake, with Sahak and Barabbas the only survivors. Julia, the superstitious wife of the local prefect, considers them blessed. The prefect is due to leave for Rome, having been appointed to the Senate. Julia insists that Barabbas and Sahak accompany him for good luck.

Once in Rome, the men are trained to become gladiators by Torvald, the top gladiator in Rome. After a gladiatorial event, Sahak is overheard sharing his faith with other gladiators, and is condemned to death for treason. When a squad deliberately miss throwing their spears, Torvald executes Sahak. The next day, Torvald and Barabbas battle in the arena. Barabbas wins, killing Torvald and impressing Emperor Nero, who sets him free. Barabbas takes Sahak's corpse to the catacombs, where the local Christians are worshiping. They give him a proper burial.

Barabbas becomes lost in the catacombs. When he eventually emerges, Rome is on fire. Barabbas is told that the Christians started the fire. Believing that the end of the world has come (as Rachel and Sahak had taught), Barabbas sets fire to more buildings. He is confronted by Roman soldiers and tells them that he is a follower of Christ. He is imprisoned with several other Christians, among them the apostle Peter. Peter admonishes Barabbas for committing arson, informing him that Christians would not do such a thing. Afterwards, the Christians are executed by mass crucifixion in the persecutions that follow the fire. Having finally placed his faith in Christ, Barabbas is crucified with the others, though his last words are, "Darkness... I give myself up into your keeping... It is Barabbas".

Cast

[edit]
Sharon Tate and Jack Palance behind the scenes of the film
Uncredited

Before major casting began, Yul Brynner was actively considered for the title role, yet never got the part. His previous Biblical film roles were The Pharaoh in The Ten Commandments and Solomon in Solomon and Sheba.

Production

[edit]
The scene where the solar eclipse of February 15, 1961, was used to recreate the crucifixion darkness

The music score by Mario Nascimbene, which was conducted by Franco Ferrara, the noted conductor and lecturer on conducting at several famous international academies, was noted for its unusual, stark experimental component – the composer referred to his work, which included the introduction of electronic sounds achieved by the manipulation of tape speeds, as "new sounds". The main theme was based on the "Kyrie" from "Orbis Factor:Missa XI" which is a part of the Roman Catholic Ordinary. The depiction of the crucifixion was filmed on 15 February 1961 during an actual total eclipse of the sun.[3][4]

Differences from the book

[edit]

In Lagerkvist's original novel, Barabbas' later crime that sends him into slavery is explicitly left vague. He is sent to the copper mines of Cyprus, rather than Sicily as in the film. Sarak and Barabbas are freed from the mines by an overseer friendly to Christians, rather than it being destroyed by an earthquake. There are no gladiatorial scenes anywhere in the book, as Barabbas is made a field slave and then a house slave to his Roman owner.

Reception

[edit]

Barabbas received positive reviews; it currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 9 reviews with an average rating of 6.8/10.[5]

Awards

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Barabba (1961)". BFI Collections. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  2. ^ "Big Rental Pictures of 1963". Variety. Penske Business Media. 8 January 1964. p. 71. Retrieved 18 July 2018. Please note figures are rentals as opposed to total gross.
  3. ^ Elley, Derek (2013). The Epic Film: Myth and History. Abingdon: Routledge. p. 94. ISBN 9781317928874.
  4. ^ Hughes, Howard (2011). "Sword and Sandal Spectacles". Cinema Italiano - The Complete Guide From Classics To Cult. London: I.B. Tauris. p. 72. ISBN 9781848856080.
  5. ^ "Barabbas (1961)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 18 July 2018.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The screenplay includes uncredited contributions from Nigel Balchin, Diego Fabbri, Ivo Perilli and Salvatore Quasimodo.
[edit]
Wikiquote has quotations related to Barabbas (1961 film).
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